On Friday, the Presidency stated that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has no plans. to either install an interim government or extend his term beyond May 29, 2023.
A statement that was signed by Garba Shehu, Buhari’s spokesperson, read, “Let us clearly, specifically, and emphatically state that there is absolutely no truth to the claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is working towards an interim government or even worse, the truncation of democracy.”
“Stop the joke about interim government, elections will hold,” is the title of the statement.
“The President looks forward to handing the reins of power to his elected successor,” Shehu stated. This will take place on May 29, 2023, as stipulated by the Constitution.
“The fact that the naira swap was never “engineered” to keep the President in office beyond May 29 should be made abundantly clear to those who question, speculate, and tell lies. The opposite is absolutely true.”
This was stated by the presidency in response to claims made by some governors elected on the All Progressives Congress platform that Buhari’s insistence on the new naira policy would cause chaos that would necessitate the establishment of an interim government.
The President stated in his broadcast at 7 a.m. on Thursday that only old N200 notes would be valid until April 10.
He stated that N500 and N1000 notes must be returned to the CBN by February 17.
Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, respectively, claimed in separate interviews that the policy would result in additional crises that would impede elections and usher in an interim government.
In addition, they argued that the APC’s new naira policy, which had sparked pockets of nationwide protests and riots, was a scheme to undermine the APC’s popularity and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
The presidency, on the other hand, refuted the claims, claiming that the notion of an interim government was “way off the mark.”
“Those who propagate it stand to gain nothing but the incitement of the public against the Federal Government and the creation of panic.
It added, “It is another dangerous dimension by people who are afraid of losing their elections.”
Following the recent turn of events, the presidency claims that there is a lot of pressure on everyone, including the party, its elected officials, candidates, and law enforcement agencies.
“The President opened several avenues for consultation with leaders and groups across the country precisely because he is concerned with this problem, culminating in his broadcast to the nation on Thursday morning.
“In accordance with the speech, his clear and unambiguous directive is that the cash supply issue must be resolved immediately.
There is no need to panic while this is being done. As individuals, as leaders, and as a nation, we must collaborate.
People go into overdrive when there is panic. Because no one can hear you shout, nothing helps,” Shehu continued.
The presidency assured Nigerians that the election would take place on February 25.
Additionally, the presidency asserted that Tinubu, the APC’s flag bearer, remained Buhari’s preferred successor.